Share this
Science

Mixed Year Science

By Julie St Clair Hoare - 7 Oct 2018

A two-year rolling programme for each mixed year group (1/2, 3/4, 5/6) covers the National Curriculum for England's science objectives for a single key stage (KS1, LKS2 and UKS2).

Set A and Set B each make up a year's worth of science sessions, and the two years can be taught in either order. Each set consists of six blocks covering one of the National Curriculum's topics, such as 'plants' or 'light'. The blocks are made up of six sessions. Teach these one afternoon a week for a half term, or however you choose to distribute your science teaching. Working scientifically, investigations and meaningful outcomes are fully incorporated in each block.

The progression and content of the rolling programmes have been planned in consultation with experienced science teachers and consultants. Children study a balance of science content each year, generally meeting more difficult concepts towards the end of each set. To track attainment, we provide assessment charts for both years.

Mixed Year Science for Y1/2

mixed-age-year-1-2.JPG

For mixed age Y1/2 sets, we have ensured that children study plants, animals including humans, seasonal changes and materials each year. Some blocks (such as 'Brilliant Builders') combine parts of the curriculum from year 1 and year 2. Some blocks (such as 'Wild Weather') are based on year 1 curriculum content, but are stretched to incorporate teaching to challenge year 2 children. Others (such as 'Food Chains') are based on year 2 curriculum content, but are adapted to be accessible to year 1 children. In each set, the more difficult material is generally covered towards the end of the year to ensure progression for both sets of children. You can download an adaptable word version of the year 1/2 table.

Mixed Year Science for Y3/4

mixed-age-year-3-4.JPG

For mixed age Y3/4 sets, we have ensured that children study a balance of biology, physics and chemistry each year. Some blocks (such as ‘This Planet Rocks') are based on year 3 curriculum content, but are stretched to incorporate teaching at the level of year 4 children. Others (such as ‘Habitat Helpers') are based on year 4 curriculum content, but are adapted to be accessible to year 3 children. In each set, the more difficult material is generally covered towards the end of the year to ensure progression for both sets of children. You can download an adaptable word version of the year 3/4 table.

Mixed Year Science for Y5/6

mixed-age-year-5-6.JPG

For mixed age Y5/6 sets, we have ensured that children study biology, physics and chemistry each year. Some blocks (such as 'The Human Species') combine parts of the curriculum from year 5 and year 6. Other blocks (such as 'Space!') are based on year 5 curriculum content, but are stretched to incorporate teaching at the level of year 6 children. Others (such as 'Electric Art') are based on year 6 curriculum content, but are adapted to be accessible to year 5 children. In each set, the more difficult material is generally covered towards the end of the year to ensure progression for both sets of children. Each set finishes with a block that lends itself to revision of key concepts and may be used as the basis of an extended investigation and presentation, such as for a science week. You can download an adaptable word version of the year 5/6 table.